With the publication of the SEE results, one has the impression that, compared to last year, the percentage of students passing the bar to become eligible for grade XI studies is higher. But the statistics do not necessarily establish the contention that the quality of school instruction has gone up. There may be several reasons that help more students achieve a higher grade like allocating 25 per cent of marks for internal assessment in the name of practical test in all subjects, except compulsory and optional maths, in which case, almost all examinees have been awarded with an ‘A’ plus grade.
The real purpose behind the practical test has not been realised due to lack of the genuineness of such tests as teachers are more inclined to give the highest possible marks supposedly to enhance the prospects of their students obtaining better grades. This is indeed dishonesty on their part as this approach does not treat more gifted students justly.
An analysis of the statistics visa-vis the community schools demonstrates a pitiable picture as more students are getting a D, denying them further education opportunities. A thorough assessment of why such a scenario is happening year-after-year, though a few government schools have been producing exceptionally excellent results, will reveal the bitter truth of politicisation of the community school teachers.
Once shielded by the local politicians, most of the teachers in such schools feel free to misuse their positions by not making preparations before taking classes, not attending schools regularly, not being punctual in taking exams and by showing utter negligence in not completing the course set aside for the academic year.
Hira Bahadur Thapa, Kathmandu
Arc of death
Apropos of the news story, “1,229 booked for overspeeding on Kalanki-Koteswor Ring Road stretch” (THT, June 29, Page 2), are the speedsters aware of the 50 km per hour speed limit on this arc of death? Should not there be large information boards with a 50 km speed limit visible from 1,000 metres? How will drivers know about this limit? What is the speed limit at night time? Last evening at 8 pm, I had a huge problem trying to cross the massive width of the road on foot. Without street lights, traffic lights, cops, it was not easy to walk across in the pitch dark accentuated by the blinding glare of the speeding tippers. I had no option but to wait at the sidewalk, mumbling the choicest expletives at everyone. Who manages the traffic at night? God? Here is a suggestion to everyone involved in building roads: don’t construct roads if you cannot put up street lights, traffic lights, parking bays, road etiquette information boards and safe crossings round the clock.
Don’t showcase our third world status and mentality to the world. There is a suggestion to the travel traders also: don’t waste your breath over the 24-hour entertainment zone. Kathmandu is dead after 8 pm in summer and 6.30 in winter.
Manohar Shrestha, Kathmandu
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